Need suggestions on Laptops

Anyone purchase a laptop in the last year?

[JerryOdom]

I have a Compaq Presario 1700 that was slim and cool back in late 2002 but its about lived out its time now.(what only 10GB of hard drive) So I need a new one. Drop some suggestions. I was thinking something less than $1500

[truezeta]

Don't laugh but I just got a basic Dell Inspiron. I don't know how much "wham" you need but they had a special going for a 2yr hardware warranty at home and 2 yr accidental coverage. If you are a computer geek and can fix your own hardware the warranty won't mean much, but the accidental coverage would be nice for anyone. Everything can be upgraded but I believe the basics is 512 DDR 2 ram, 40 GB hard drive. You can buy a external 100 GB for $99 all day, or whatever you need. And there is also a $100 rebate, for a total of $800.

But, I just use my laptop for basic computer functions. Maybe one of the pros can give you more insight!

Hope this helps :-)

[Lyndsay]

I've got a Toshiba Satellite... bought it in the fall of 2003.

I'm usually the type to get a new system every two years or so, but I'm coming up on 2.5 years and am still very happy with my Toshiba.

Great support, when I needed them.

[JerryOdom]

I'd like to add that I do a good degree of windows programming & development. I use Microsoft Visual Studio 2005, Macromedia MX, Apple IMovie and a few other pieces of software.

[DamonHD]

Hi,

I'm very pleased with my small Sony Vaio: small enough to use in economy on the plane, fast enough and with a high-enough res screen to do all my dev work.

Plus built-in WiFi, DVD-RW, Bluetooth, etc, etc...

Rgds

Damon

[TravelSite]

I'd go for a convertable Tablet PC - i.e. one that can be used just like a normal notebook but that can also be used just like a paper notebook/pad.

I have a 12" one and its totally changed the way that I work. Aside from the usual notebook functions there are many ways that it can be used.

In 'slate' mode I use mine to take notes in meetings (writing directly onto the screen), brainstorming ideas, creating/drawing images, having it as a map when out driving, watching DVDs etc on it (with the keyboard folded away), using it as a large photo album when visiting family, writing stories on etc.

Its designed to pick up internet connection with a second or two (integrated wi-fi and bluetooth) and is fairly lightweight (DVD burner can replaced with a space saver). Windows XP Tablet is identical to Windows XP Pro but with added pen-enabled/voice functions. The model I have can be order with 1020x786 or 1400x1050 (my model).

It has completely changed the way I do things adding a great deal on functionality.

[JerryOdom]

Pretty interesting suggestions so far. Damon which model Vaio did you pick up? Travelsite what company makes the convertible?

[mm1220]

Search around on the web for Dell coupons, they're always running specials (as long as you find the right coupons code). Unless you're planning on gaming, graphics work or intensive code compiling I think the aesthetics of a laptop are just as important as the tech specs so if possible check out the laptops of people you know.

[DamonHD]

Hi,

I'm currently using a Vaio PCG-TR5MP, ie a "TR5".

Rgds

Damon

PS. Very good screen too; can be read in direct sunlight!

[netchicken1]

Recently there are laptops with a super shiny screen.

I find it awesome!
I don't really like using laptops for workor leasure (despite typing this on one) because of the matt screens just don't feel comfortable. However I would change that attitude with these new ones.

To me thats one of the prime factors in choosing a new laptop.

I find computers generally have a "reality gap" that ambushes people.

Afterall whats the difference in reality between a 100gig HD or a 60gigH? Just more hard drive that you don't use.

Whats the difference between a 2.8 or a 3.8 gig chip? Just more time that your computer sits around doing nothing.

The only other factor might be the ability of the system to run Vista, which is due out at the end of the year. That will be a jump in computing. However I used Win98 up until middle last year, only changing because new software didn't run on it.

But for vista you will need 500 meg ram, and a graphics card (Do they make them for laptops?)

Hope this helps

[superpower]

I recently bought the Acer Aspire 5672WLMI from CompUSA.
1. Dual Core 1.6ghz (better processing speed and handling multiple apps at once)
2. 2GB RAM
3. 512MB video
4. 120gb HD
5. DVD burner,wireless, bluetooth, builtin webcam,5 in 1 card reader,USB2/firewire

Glossy screen has pluses and minuses (excellent in shade/dark conditions, slightly annoying in bright light), but I've heard there are screen matte thingies if you don't like it.

Granted it's a bit heavier and larger than my Thinkpad X22 but given the specs I think it is more than worth it. I've already traveled with it and it still fits fine in a small portfolio case and my normal-sized backpack.

Happy with it so far.

[TravelSite]

JerryOdom,

The Tablet PC I mentioned is the Fujitsu T4020 (mine is the 1400 x 1050 version).

[tigertom]

Vista will need 500mb of RAM?

<snip>

&

Ah hah ha ha ha ha haaa!

[heh]

Ohh, that's a good one.

[sigh]

[edited by: lawman at 9:16 am (utc) on Mar. 11, 2006]

[grelmar]

Funny how? MS has already said the recommended minimun for Vista is 512M.

I don't run anything less than 1G anymore, (no... wait, I have a *nix laptop with 256)... But still, the fact that their requiring 512 or more for Vista indicates it's resource hog level.

Back on topic...

Never had any problems with the Toshiba laptops. Good compatability, and the Satellites have a good reputation as "Field Computers" in the Oil Patch.

If a laptop can survive being used by a Rig Pig, it's got some good durability.

[gamiziuk]

Since the furthur development of my Internet Empire depends on my computer resources, I bought myself a top-of-the line Sony Vaio laptop (VGN-FS660). At least, it was top of the line back in the Fall of 2004 when I purchased it at the TOY STORE.

1 GB RAM
80 GB HD
15.4" widescreen LCD
Integrated Wireless Intel Centrino

sweeeeeeeet. My Google Adsense checks paid for it. My old laptop would crash all the time because I would have too many programs running at the same time...

[JerryOdom]

Thanks everyone you've been very helpful. Actually leaning towards the Sony Vaio line now. I've wanted one ever since I first saw the Vaios.

Man, with all the options available for notebooks at some point you just have to pick a direction and jump.